HYDERABAD: As the monsoon season approaches, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has introduced a comprehensive Monsoon Management Preparedness plan to mitigate potential risks and ensure public safety.
Revitalising the Central Safety Protocol Cell (CSPC) and Emergency Response Teams (ERTs), the Water Board has set forth detailed guidelines aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the impending rains. In a review meeting held with senior officials on Monday, HMWSSB Managing Director C. Sudarshan Reddy underscored the importance of vigilance during the monsoon season. He elaborated on the newly established action plan, which seeks to streamline operations and enhance safety protocols. A key component of this plan includes a public appeal against opening manhole covers, with a particular emphasis on marking all deep manhole covers with red paint to heighten visibility and caution.
The HMWSSB’s jurisdiction encompasses a substantial sewerage network, with 5,767 km within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits and an additional 4,200 km in peripheral municipalities. The network includes approximately 634,919 manholes, of which 63,221 are categorised as deep manholes. Specifically, the GHMC area contains 26,798 deep manholes, while the city outskirts account for 36,423.
To bolster safety measures, the installation of safety grills on deep manholes has been a priority. This initiative has seen near completion within the GHMC limits, and ongoing efforts are focused on extending these safety installations to the municipalities on the outskirts. The action plan underscores the critical role of the CSPC and ERTs in monitoring and responding to emergencies. The CSPC will coordinate with various departments to ensure a rapid and efficient response to any incidents, while the ERTs are tasked with immediate on-ground intervention during emergencies.
Public cooperation is pivotal to the success of this initiative. The HMWSSB has urged residents to refrain from tampering with manhole covers, which could lead to severe accidents and disrupt the sewerage system’s functionality. By adhering to these guidelines, the public can contribute significantly to maintaining safety during the monsoon season.
As Hyderabad prepares for the monsoon, the proactive measures undertaken by the HMWSSB reflect a robust strategy to safeguard the city’s infrastructure and its residents. The meticulous planning and execution of the Monsoon Management Preparedness plan aim to minimise disruptions and enhance the overall resilience of the city’s sewerage network.
This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient urban management system, capable of withstanding the challenges posed by seasonal changes. With the collaborative efforts of the HMWSSB and the active participation of the public, Hyderabad is poised to navigate the monsoon season with heightened preparedness and safety.
